Niël Terblanché
NamWater has reached another goal in its commitment to national water infrastructure development, with the signing of contracts to construct a new pipeline between Ogongo and Oshakati.
This project, an integral part of NamWater’s strategy to ensure reliable water supply across the country, is anticipated to bolster water security and support the anticipated growth in demand in Northern Namibia.
NamWater’s chief executive officer Abraham Nehemia during the signing ceremony at the end of last week in Windhoek, said the project aligns with NamWater’s long-term vision for a secure water supply, especially in regions where economic development and population growth are expected to increase demand.
He expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support, noting that this development is partially funded through the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme 1 (NWSSP 1).
“This pipeline replacement is a strategic investment in water security for the region. The existing pipeline, built in 1978, has served us well, but its deteriorated state has led to frequent breaks, disrupting water supply. This project reaffirms NamWater’s commitment to providing sustainable and reliable infrastructure for our communities said Nehemia,” he said.
According to Nehemia, NamWater’s decision to undertake this large-scale project followed extensive due diligence.
“NamWater identified significant deterioration in a section of the pipeline, particularly the 15-kilometre stretch from the Onampira off-take to Oshakati,” he said
Nehemia added that this section, identified as Class 6 between chainage 35 km and 52 km, has suffered frequent breaks, forcing NamWater to restrict the pipeline pressure to 1.8 bars.
“Such limitations have hindered the pipeline’s ability to meet projected demands for the 2030/31 fiscal year,” he said.
Nehemia indicated that in response, NamWater’s civil engineering design team devised a replacement plan, resulting in a bidding process that began on 15 January and closed on 22 March this year.
He said that three contractors were awarded contracts for the different segments of the pipeline, each tasked with replacing part of the 53-kilometre stretch.
“The project, valued at N$236.8 million, will see the construction of a new pipeline to replace the ageing asbestos-cement one, enabling the system to support higher pressures,” he said.
In this regard, China Gezhouba Group Company Ltd was awarded Part A, the Ogongo Pump Station to the Oshikuku transition point, for N$88 million.
China Jiangxi Economic and Technical International Corporation Ltd secured Part B, spanning Oshikuku to Onangombe, for N$69.6 million, while New Era Investment Pty Ltd JV CCCC Origin Water Construction Group Co. Ltd will handle Part C, from Onangombe to Oshakati, at a cost of N$79.6 million.
According to Nehemia, the contractors have committed to completing the work within the next 12 months, with high standards set for quality and efficiency.
Representatives from each contractor pledged to uphold NamWater’s expectations, with Lijie Li of China Gezhouba Group expressing pride in supporting Namibia’s water infrastructure.
“We pledge to deliver quality work that meets the nation’s expectations,” Li said.
Yang Deng of China Jiangxi Corporation and Rong Ma of New Era Investment JV CCCC echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of urgency and high standards.
Nehemia said the broader impact of the project will benefit both urban and rural communities.
“We are dedicated to delivering sustainable water solutions. By addressing these critical pipeline issues, we are securing water access for generations to come. With the support of the government and our contractors, NamWater is ensuring a water-secure future for Northern Namibia,” he said.
He added that the new pipeline will assist in the country’s quest for resilient water infrastructure while offering hope for a stable water supply amid growing demand and environmental challenges.
